The Daily Beans Refried Beans | PeopleCentered Power (feat. Chris Melody Fields Figueredo) | 11/21/2024
Nov 23, 2025
Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, the Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, dives into the vital role of state ballot measures in shaping progressive change. He outlines BISC's efforts in supporting grassroots initiatives and highlights recent wins, including minimum wage and marriage equality. Chris emphasizes the importance of curiosity over shame to engage disaffected voters, offering a fresh perspective on rebuilding trust in politics. Tune in to learn how these strategies can empower communities to drive meaningful change.
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Ballot Measures Build State Power
- Ballot initiatives are a durable way to build people-centered, state-level power when federal protections are weakened.
- Chris Melody Fields Figueredo says the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center supports state leaders with research, trainings, and coalition tools.
Texas Offers Land For Deportation Facilities
- Texas offered 1,400 acres to the federal government for deportation facilities and bought 355,000 acres overall.
- Hosts reacted with alarm, framing the offer as a potential site for large-scale detention or "concentration camps."
Judge Marks Concern Over Blanket Pardons
- A Trump-appointed judge warned that blanket pardons for January 6 defendants would be "beyond frustrating and disappointing."
- The remark signals judicial concern about potential mass clemency for serious riot-related offenses.